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Where else but the Las Vegas
Strip can you see Paris and New York City practically across the street
from one another?
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By Steve Cheski
Las Vegas has to be seen to be believed.
It's one part Disney World, two parts
Shangri-La and three parts Playboy Mansion with a liberal portion of Fantasy
Island thrown in.
A first-time visitor is sure to be
overwhelmed while a returning visitor may be missing out on some of the many
things to see and do.
The Las Vegas Survival Guide is designed to
help you plan and enjoy your Vegas visit.
This page contains some basic information
to get you started. You can use the links at the top of this article and
elsewhere on this page to find all the information you need for a memorable
visit.
Viva Las Vegas!
Getting to Vegas
Most
visitors will arrive by air at McCarran International Airport, ranked among
the 10 busiest airports in the world with over 40 carriers with direct
flights to more than 100 U.S. cities.
The airport is 1 mile from the Strip, 3.5
miles from the Convention Center and 5 miles from downtown. Shuttle buses
and taxis are readily available. Several hotels have check-in desks in the
main terminal near the baggage area.
If you're driving, the principal highway
connecting Las Vegas to Southern California and Utah is I-15. Also, U.S. 93
meanders from Las Vegas southeast to Arizona, where it merges with I-40.
What to pack
Vegas is in the desert and will be very hot
and dry in the summer but surprisingly cool in the winter.
In the summer, you may want to bring
shorts, a hat, a bathing suit and plenty of sunscreen. Long pants, a sweater
and/or a jacket are recommended if visiting between late October and early
April.
Vegas has become a very informal city and
business casual dress will be appropriate for most situations, but you may
need dress clothes for a five-star restaurant or gala show.
No matter what time of year, be sure to
bring comfortable shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking.
You also will want sunglasses and a video
or still camera. Most disposable cameras will produce good photos outside
because of Vegas' abundant sunshine.
Where to stay
First-time visitors probably will want to
stay on the Strip because that's where most of the action is. Experienced
visitors can save money by staying near the Strip or downtown.
(Click
here for Vegas hotel deals or
here for condos and extended-stay properties)
Bring the kids . . .
. . . but you may have to cover their eyes
because Las Vegas has moved away from its attempts to be family-friendly to
reinforce its reputation as an adult playground so you'll see plenty of R-
and X-rated advertising.
But there still are plenty of activities for
children.
Look for accommodations with a pool. Many
Vegas hotels feature huge video arcades and diversions like roller coasters
and other rides. Many hotels provide programs for children and teenagers,
while babysitters and childcare facilities are also sometimes available.
Inquire at your hotel.
You cannot enter a casino if you are under
21, and the Strip has a curfew --children under 18 are not allowed to be out
after 9 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult.
Money & tipping
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted
throughout Las Vegas and it's hard to turn around without bumping into an
ATM, but beware of additional fees.
You'll need cash to gamble unless you've
arranged for a line of credit with the casino. If you have a line of credit,
you can ask a dealer for a "marker" and play with chips borrowed from the
casino. Call the casino cage before
your trip for an application and remember that any outstanding markers have
to be settled by cash or check before you leave the city.
Most of the hotel and casino workers you'll
encounter In Vegas earn the majority of their pay in tips. A small bet for
the dealer is the usual method of tipping at gaming tables. A small tip is
also appropriate for keno runners and slot attendants.
Tip hotel personnel $1 to $2 for each bag.
A $5 tip is appropriate for concierge services. You should tip $2 to a
parking valet, while $2 a day is sufficient for housekeeping services.
In other situations, 15 to 20 percent of
the total bill is a good rule of thumb for tipping.
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